Entertainment & Events

Festival of Science & Engineering Expo Day comes to Petco Park March 3rd

San Diego has earned a reputation as a hotbed of STEM activity, however, with a shortage of students entering STEM fields in the workforce, there is a growing need to engage students early on. Inspired by the vision of local entrepreneur, Larry Bock, in collaboration with UC San Diego faculty, the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering was created a decade ago to get kids excited about STEM as well as demonstrate why science and engineering are important in their lives.

This year marks the 10th Annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering – one of the largest science festivals in the U.S.. This Saturday, March 3, Petco Park will be transformed for Expo Day, one of the largest one-day science expos featuring more than 130 exhibits with hands-on learning activities and experiments to inspire kids of all ages. More than 26,000 children, parents, and STEM fanatics are expected to attend, so come out and enjoy a full day of free STEM fun for students ages “pre-K to gray.”

The event is part of the annual week-long San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, presented by the Illumina Foundation and a program of the nonprofit Biocom Institute. The goal of the Expo is to encourage and engage kids and adults in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, and to increase our region’s reputation of being a leader in the science industry. Not only is it educational, but it’s a great opportunity to interact with science in a fun way. Plus, meet and interact with some of the brightest minds at global companies and research institutions, headquartered here in San Diego, such as Illumina, Qualcomm, ViaSat, Hologic, Cubic, Cymer and more.

Some of the event highlights will include:

Pre-K Zone: Inspire even the tiniest innovators to ignite their love for science. Presented by STEAM Maker Workshop and Children’s Discovery Museum, the Pre-K Zone will give children under 5 an opportunity to participate in STEAM-related activities. Visit the Pre-K Zone to excite your tiny future innovators. Let their imaginations run free, they just might change the world.

Bright Idea Society Alley – Powered By ViaSat, Inc.: The Bright Idea Society recognizes individuals and groups at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Visit their activity booths and let these fascinating young minds, teach you about science!

The Curiosity Cube: Recognizing that tomorrow’s discoveries depend on the next generation of scientists—and that breakthroughs begin with curiosity—The Curiosity Cube™ is a 22×10-foot, retrofitted shipping container that has been transformed into a mobile science lab. Equipped with the latest technology, the Curiosity Cube™ provides a learning environment that allows visitors of all ages to become immersed in specific science topics—from learning about how DNA works to building their own, custom microbe using a 3D printer.

U.S. Air Force Rapid Strike Simulator: Ever wonder what it’s like to soar the sky on a down-range Air Force mission? Well look no further! Rapid Strike is a state-of-the-art flight simulator that showcases the intricacy and capability of modern American airpower. Experience what it’s like to be an airman at this booth.

Healthy Lifestyles Area: Visit this booth to learn more about the science of healthy living.

TEDxKids@ElCajon Take the Stage: TEDxKids@El Cajon will join us for a second year for TEDx kids talks starting at 11 a.m. on the Dugout Stage. Hear some inventive ideas from some of tomorrow’s future movers and shakers. These TEDx talks offer a unique platform for students to share their ideas. Connect with our future leaders and leave inspired.

League of Extraordinary Scientists (LXS): Have questions about Entymology, Nano Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Genomics, Oceanography, Science or Astronomy? Listen and engage with scientists from San Diego companies and organizations who are active in their industries at a Fireside Chat. Be sure to also stay for the LXS Science Tour, which offers hands on activities for scientists of all ages.

Extra Credit Adventure: Teachers, encourage your students to explore STEM by rewarding extra credit for attending EXPO day. Download the Expo Day Extra Credit worksheet in advance or stop by the booth presented by UCSD Begs Outreach located near the Fireside Chats in the Mercado area.

EXPO DAY Stage Performances: Everyone’s favorite math rappers – The Music Notes – return to Expo Day this year. Through rhythm and rhyme they break down math concepts from simple addition to advanced algebra. Fleet Science Center, General Atomics, Mad Science and others captivate audiences with explosive STEM fun. The experts at Ecovivarium give guests an up close and personal experience to reptiles who call Southern California home.

Interested in STEM? Have kids that are interested in STEM? This event will feature it all. Join many of the region’s leading STEM companies who support the festival and see the value in fostering the love for science, technology, engineering, and math.

Additional details:

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 2018, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.PARKING: Discount options available. Visit www.lovestemsd.org for more info.FOOD: Families can bring in a sack lunch. The same food restrictions apply as a Padres game. There will also be $6 meal deals for children.

San Diego resident for over 10 years, I now call this beautiful city home. Originally from the Bay Area, I'm a California girl at heart. I love the outdoors, fitness, food, and a good craft beer (from San Diego of course).